Organ aficionados say the growth in praise-band led services, combined with a nationwide shortage of qualified organists, is prompting many congregations to leave pipe organs out of their new construction plans.

While many of the larger builders of organs have shut down, a handful of smaller manufacturers are still assembling the expensive custom instruments, largely by hand.

Longtime organist and music professor Jerry Aultman says it's a mistake for churches to dismiss organs, because it can fit nicely into modern services if used the right way.